Larry Philip King

To welcome him was his Mom Darlene, Dad Cecil, Brother Bob & Cousin Gary Lester, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles & Cousins. Larry lived his life as a devoted Catholic.

He was a beloved husband to Gwendolyn, having just celebrated their 25th anniversary. Larry turned 82 on September18th.

Larry was a loving Father to his four adult children. Kevin King, his wife Davee, Kimberly Emme, husband Mike, Karmen Johnson, husband Wayne, Kristi Sutten, husband Rodney (Bub). He was also a caring, loving Father to step son Kevin, wife Jessica.

Larry felt truly blessed to have such amazing grandchildren to carry on his legacy. Grandchildren: Nolan Johnson, wife Sylvia, Newt Johnson, wife Claire, Natalie Johnson. Skyler Sutten, wife Jennifer, Sydney Kramer, husband, Nicholas. Whitney Johnson, husband Heath, Weston Emme. Kellen King, Andie King. Also one year old Julian Knight.

Larry was so looking forward to seeing his Great-Grandchildren. Unfortunately it would not happen. His family believes he now sees all of them & will always be their Guardian Angel. Great Grandchildren: Lyria Rose & Lyle Johnson, also coming soon Baby Johnson. Shae Evelyn & Lucy Belle Johnson. Avila Rose Kramer. Ritter Sutten.

Completing Larry's family is his loving sisters: Bonnie Schindler, husband Don, LaVonne Livingston, Kathy Callagy, husband Bob. Many cousins, nieces & nephews.

We can not talk about Larry's family without highlighting his Aunt Pat. How he enjoyed talking to her & could always make her laugh. Pat Cregor, husband George.

To say Larry did many things would be an understatement. Whatever he decided to do, he did it with all he had. He enjoyed being a South Dakota Cowboy having worked at a large ranch as a teenager. Larry helped his Dad with chores around the farms they lived on. He tried his hand at the rodeo & was awarded his prized "All Around Cowboy" belt buckle, which he wore with pride.

Many people remember Larry as a dynamic basketball star. He was a proud Pointer! He loved reliving those memories & telling all the stories. He spent several years playing Amateur Basketball after college. He took great enjoyment playing some of those years with his son Kevin, an impressive basketball player in his own rite. Larry was inducted into the South Dakota Amateur Basketball Hall of Fame, an honor he was proud of.

Larry was a teacher of Industrial Arts & a beloved coach. He often heard from his former players & enjoyed reminiscing. Larry also served as State Director of Health & Physical Education for South Dakota.

He enjoyed playing country music from the time he received his first guitar as a kid. He paid his dues by playing in honky tonks on the weekends. His love for the old country music prompted him to open his own show. It was at his theater in Keystone he met his future wife, Gwen. They teamed up to polish & perfect The Legends of Country Music Show. Larry surrounded himself with highly talented musicians. Never to be one to just settle for good, he was always looking to take things to the next level, it wasn't any different with his show!

Larry & Gwen moved the show to the live music capital, Branson MO. Beginning in a small theater, Larry & his Legends of Country Music Show quickly became a must see in Branson. If you liked the old country, you had to see this show! The talent was first class & soon Gwen joined the show announcing & telling stories about the songs or entertainer who made the song popular. It was a unique concept & was a huge sucess. He moved from the little theater to the Moe Bandy Theater. He did a performance at the Glen Campbell Theater, which was recorded.

After several years, Branson was changing to less country music & many shows began using tracks. They took the show to Utah, before settling in Mesa AZ, again opening his own theater. He also did performances at Phoenix's largest Casino & entertainment complex. Larry sold out the 1200 seat theater several times. Reguardless of the size of the audience, Larry would stand at the door to shake hands, give hugs & thank people for coming. People would often tell him, no thank you for keeping old country music alive or thank him for the memories he brought back that night.

After ten years, here came Covid. The governor shut down live shows. Later in 2020, Gwen's Dad needed special care. Without missing a beat, Larry & Gwen moved to Florida to care for him. When Gwen's Dad passed away in February, they were looking forward to traveling & especially going to see family & see those great-grand children. But it was not to be!

Larry never met a stranger. If you knew Larry, you had a friend for life. When Larry King walked into a room, heads turned, he just had a presence about him.

A wonderful Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Son, Brother, Cousin, Nephew & FRIEND!

We're sure he's in Heaven picking with his Uncle Les or singing with his idol Merle Haggard!

HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL!